March 6th is National Dentist Day. Read books about teeth, watch a fun Sesame Street video about tooth care, make a tooth puppet, eat snacks that are good for your teeth, and replace your old toothbrush with a new one! Oh, right, and don't forget to smile a lot today! :D

1. Fold a paper plate in half.
2. Decorate the face with markers or crayons.
3. Dip marshmallows or styrofoam in glue and place around the inside edges of the plate to make the teeth.
4. To make the toothbrush, glue some pom-poms onto a popsicle stick.
5. Download and print the 'Puppet Food' sheet to let your child choose which foods the puppet should eat for healthy teeth!
6. Have the puppet sing the 'Got My Toothpaste' song (see Songs).

Snacks for Good Teeth

Apples
Apples are a good snack or lunch choice because of the fibrous texture. Eating an apple can help clean your teeth until you can brush them properly. Apple juice may contribute to tooth decay, but fresh apples are less likely to cause problems. This is because chewing the fruit stimulates your gums, reduces cavity-causing bacteria and increases saliva flow. Saliva decreases acidity in your mouth, washes away particles of food and prevents a decay-causing dry mouth.
Carrots
Chewing carrots, celery, or other fibrous or hard vegetables stimulates the gums. Strong, healthy gums are important to maintaining healthy teeth. Carrots and celery are good sources of beta carotene, which your body needs to create vitamin A - a nutrient essential for building strong teeth. One way to protect your teeth is by eating raw foods at the end of meals.
Blueberries
Although the dark pigment in berries can stain your teeth, they also contain polyphenols. These beneficial acids interfere with bacteria?s ability to adhere to tooth surfaces. Since bacteria causes gum disease and tooth decay, blueberries can improve your dental health. Blueberries can also help you avoid urinary tract infections because of their ability to inhibit bacteria?s ability to adhere to bladder tissues.
Strawberries
Strawberries contain malic acid, which is a natural teeth whitener!
Cheese
Casein - a milk protein - and whey protein in cheese have been shown to reduce the loss of minerals from tooth enamel. Chewing cheese also stimulates saliva flow which neutralizes the harmful acids that decay or erode teeth.
Bananas
Bananas are high in magnesium, which is also needed to help the enamel of the teeth form properly. Whole grain foods and spinach are also good sources of magnesium.

Songs & Rhymes

Got My Toothpaste by Unknown Got my toothpaste, got my brush,
I won't hurry, I won't rush.
Making sure my teeth are clean,
Front and back and in between.
When I brush for quite a while,
I will have a happy smile!